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Monday, March 31, 2014

The first issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to
benefit Isla charities has been published, featuring a
variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! Check
out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses &
visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at
westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity,
for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. Ad for a year is a $45 donation.
100% is contributed. Feel free to copy &
share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine
& sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is
appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks!

Turismo deportivo, opción

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The Mayor was present to endorse and support the runners who participated in the “Reto Rooster On The Go”, which affirms that Isla Mujeres is a destination of many options, including sports tourism. The first edition of this race brought together over 200 participants. For the 15 kilometer course around the whole island there were 50 women and 77 men, and for the five kilometer course there were 37 women and 32 men. The event began near the Casa de Cultura, and there were other officials at the starting point in addition to the Mayor, who are listed in the article. The Mayor gave a speech about the benefits of this sports event putting Isla Mujeres in the eyes of the world, showing off her beauty and other qualities like security and the ease of performing athletic activities & events.

Certificarán las playas con norma 120

Emotivo concurso de canto

Domingo, 30 de Marzo de 2014 21:55

Participan los adultos mayores

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 30 de marzo.-

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Dozens of families attended the DIF sponsored event at the outdoor theater in La Gloria, which also featured young singer Aldahir Dávila Baeza, as well as performances by the children's folkloric group from the Casa de Cultura and the dancers of RDS (Renatta Dance Studios). Gregorio Sánchez Celis took first place, winning 2000 pesos; Mario García Delgado, took second place and received 1500 pesos; and César Guillermo López Espinoza received 1000 pesos for third place.

Amazing sight: Whale shark in the bay

Espectacular visita

Domingo, 30 de Marzo de 2014 21:54

Recala tiburón ballena a la bahía

The sighting of a small whale shark in the Bay caused a great deal of excitement, and it appeared to be undaunted by the boats with tourists on board which approached it. It appeared to be lost from its group and spent some hours touring. It is presumed its group is on a journey in search of food toward the north of Isla Mujeres, about 10 nautical miles from Isla Contoy. This sighting precedes the beginning of the whale shark tour season which is scheduled from May 17 to September 17 this year. Each year thousands of tourist come to this destination to witness this amazing phenomenon of nature when dozens of whale sharks gather in the area to eat the food (plankton) that is only found in this area of the Mexican Caribbean. There is also a large amount of 'tuny' fish eggs in the area, that they eat with the plankton.Photo is by Jair Alberto Aguayo Chunab (it was pasted on FB), who
comments that this ~6 meter long whale shark was about a half kilometer
out from Playa Lancheros on Tuesday at 11am.

Agapito pone manos a la obra

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This information was already translated. It notes that this“Brigadas con la Comunidad” clean up and trash removal campaign included volunteers as well as City staff, and followed similar clean ups in the colonias of Salina Grande and Caribena (and Guadalupana, where the community participated).

New hospital nearly ready

To be inaugurated after the first week in June: Ortega Pacheco

Casi listo, hospital de segundo nivel

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The State Health Secretary recently toured the facility and explained that some details cannot be finished until the equipment arrives, such as placing drywall that will hide cables and pipes. These are expected to be completed in the next two months. The opening may occur in the last week of May or the first week of June.

"Recycled Trash For Food" event benefits 300 families

Productiva jornada

Viernes, 28 de Marzo de 2014 21:29

De "Reciclando Basura por Alimentos", en beneficio de 300 familias

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de marzo.-

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This is part of a state campaign of the Governor, which exchanges recycled trash for food, particularly the basic staples included in the 'Canasta basica' of 'Mercado del Bienestar'. Citizens exchanged 16 tons of reusable waste which included paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and useless household appliance. The event took place at the Community Center in colonia La Gloria, and also offered medical services and hair cuts, as well as games to promote learning about ecology and water conservations.

Little response to Anti Rabies campaign

Did not give out 1600 vaccines

Poca respuesta a campaña antirrábica

Viernes, 28 de Marzo de 2014 21:27

No se llegó a las mil 600 vacunas

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de marzo.-

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On the island, the vaccination stations were located in La Gloria, downtown, and colonia Guadalupana, with a total of 1600 rabies vaccines available. There were only about 800 doses administered. Next they will move to the Continental Zone, where they hope to vaccinate about 600 animals. This vaccination campaign began last Saturday, and is part of the National Rabies Vaccination Week for Cats and Dogs 2014.

Continued support from foreigners

Donating wheelchairs & medical equipment

Continúa apoyo de extranjeros

Viernes, 28 de Marzo de 2014 21:23

Con sillas de ruedas y equipo médico

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de marzo.-.

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This is the second donation from this group of altruistic people from Canada, who are expressing gratitude after one of them was treated at the General Hospital in February, and required a wheelchair, which was not available. However, a wheelchair was provided thru the efforts of María Teresa Gómez, who attended the foreigner, and the secretary Beby Delgado.
The group, "Seniors & Friends of Isla" brought donations to the Red Cross, the General Hospital, and the Senior Citizens Club, which included a childbirth kit, a fracture treatment kit, wheel chairs, walkers, crutches, a fetal cardio-sonographic monitor, three boxes of IV solutions, a box of sheets, boxes of gloves, bandages, a cardiac stethoscope, and a first aid kit for the ambulance. Members of this groups include Denis St. Pierre, Andy St. Pierre and Gary Van Lankuett, (Gary Van Lankvelt)

Preparing for "Viacrucis" ( Walking the Stations of the Cross / the "Passion of Christ")

To be celebrated April 18th in La Gloria & downtown

Preparan “Viacrucis”

Viernes, 28 de Marzo de 2014 21:12

A celebrarse el próximo 18 de abril en Centro y La Gloria

There will be two reenactments of this event on Friday, April 18, by the two Catholic churches, Immaculate Conception downtown, and Sacred Heart of Jesus in colonia La Gloria. The names of the people representing Jesus & Mary in each event are given. Father Raul Alonzo said in the case of the event downtown; it will be more tourist-oriented, aimed at the visitors who come to Isla Mujeres. The hoteliers are encouraged to invite their guests, to this event which he believes prompts reflection. It is estimated that about 3000-4000 people will attend downtown, while the event in La Gloria is expected to be more locally oriented with about 300-400 people expected. The route from the Sacred Heart of Jesus will start at 10am, going down the Paseo de las Aves, and by the park Las Tortugas, then over to prolongacion Rueda Medina, and entering the street by the new hospital, to come back to the church. For the representation by the Church of Immaculate Conception, They will leave the chapel to Guadalupe (la capilla de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) at noon to travel five kilometers under the rays of the midday sun to the church of Immaculate Conception. Last year we also saw a smaller version along prolongacion Rueda Medina. The versions I have seen in Isla Mujeres were not gory or particularly upsetting. The soldier-actors whipped the cross, not the Jesus-actor.

Lanzan convocatoria de torneo de pesca infantil y juvenil

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 28 de marzo.-

The sixth edition of the children's fishing tournament “Buenaventura Delgado Díaz-Coleguita”, sponsored by the DIF, will be held on April 20, as part of the celebrations of Children's Day. There will be one category for children 8-12 year old and teens 13-17 years old. Information and registration is available at the DIF offices.
The DIF is screening the documentary "De tres, uno", which was created as part of a project to train documentary filmmakers from different areas of Mexico and Central America, who have limited access to the necessary tools to share their stories with the public. The project, Ambulante Más Allá (AMA) holds workshops to train new filmmakers, encouraging them to create stories from a cultural viewpoint, which does not arise with the imposition of conventional cinematic parameters.
This documentary presents the lives of three young students, and their socioeconomic conditions, with only one gaining access to a university education, a situation which is normal in Mexico.

Municipal Treasurer Álvaro Magaña Galué spoke in support of the Mayor's plan to obtain certification of the beaches, which will be an important step in positioning this destination as one of the best in the Mexican Caribbean. He said the benefits are many, but they are focused on the economic improvement of the residents of Isla Mujeres.

The official explained that the first steps are already underway, including the relocation of the mobile vendors. He said, "There are many requirements for the certification of the beaches, including keeping them free of hawkers, allocating service areas, and constant cleaning of the beaches." He said the certification of North Beach is a goal of this administration, and although some are annoyed about the relocation of the informal vendors, this move was necessary.

Raúl González Fernando Marrufo , State Undersecretary of Tourism said the Isla Mujeres promotional video that was made two years ago, has now been released and in in the hands of the Cancun Convention and Visitor Bureau. It will be released at the next tianguis itinerante de México (Travel/Tourism Convention). The release of the video had been delayed by a debt of 453,000 pesos, which has been settled.

HERE is a copy on YouTube, of what I believe is a version of this video.

This weekend:

Residents allege that store is unhygienic

Denuncia

Rosa Alcocer, who usually shops at the Super Express in Colonia La Gloria, spoke to the reporter, saying the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) should intervene because she alleges there is a lack of hygiene and a mishandling of products. She says she does not know who is in charge or who is the manager, but that several complaints have been made, and nothing was done.

Fusion of promotional agencies to benefit the island

Raúl González Fernando Marrufo , State Undersecretary of Tourism attended the inauguration of the new Association of Small Hotels Fascinantes de Isla Mujeres, and spoke to the press. He said Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are the two islands that will benefit the most, because there was a reduced annual budget for promotion, but now there will be a more equatable allocation of resources. The state government has formed six committees to give voice to the municipalities of the state. In the case of Isla Mujeres, the committee will be headed by Mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez, and will include several business owners. Formerly, the Promotional Tourism agency of Isla Mujeres had an annual budget of around 4.5 million pesos, but now the amount will be greater. Both islands (Holbox & Mujeres) will have a greater presence at the international fairs, which are attended by the OVC (Cancun Visitors and Convention Bureau. He said the island will improve its services, as well as its promotions, and with these improvements, demand will increase, and charges can be increased. He said one of the initiatives that will help the island will be the certification of its beaches, which is being promoted by the municipal government. (Part of the backstory behind this article is that the Tourism Promotional agency of Isla Mujeres was discontinued in 2013, and merged into the OVC.)

The police are conducting meeting with municipal agencies to coordinate their efforts, and as in previous years they are planning to conduct checkpoints at the edges of town. The checkpoint on the west side will be near the vehicular ferry and on the east side it will be near the Aguakan pumping station. Over this weekend, 17 people were arrested, all for administrative offenses, which were mostly for public drunkenness or disorderly conduct. There were twelve fines applied to the same number of vehicles.

The president of the fishing cooperative Por la Justicia Social said there is a lack of sufficient fish for Lent, noting that none of the cooperatives have any product in the warehouses. This is mainly due to weather, particularly nortes and rainfall, that have closed the port. Their daily catches have been going to the restaurants, and their storage areas remain empty.

Saturday was the last day to complete license plate registration without fines or extra charges, which involved about 600 vehicles, but only about 300 had been renewed before the last few days. If the vehicle is new or there is a change of ownership, there is a verification, and you must bring your receipt from last year, as well as paying for the plate change. Outside the office in amplification La Gloria, you can see an increasing number of vehicles, especially motorcycles, since that is the main transport of islanders.

Most of this information was previously translated. They expect the work to be concluded in late April, and they are attending to final details and awaiting furnishings. The terminal was built with a federal investment of 32 million pesos. They are modernizing the terminal in Punta Sam also, said the Director General of the Port Authority, director general de la Administración Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), Ercé Barrón.
There are concerns that the local merchants and the organizations of porters and boat tours, who had intended to have rental space in the terminal, will be unable to afford the rents, and that the areas will end up in the hands of outside franchises.

Catholic priest Raúl Sánchez said there are plans to open a University campus specializing in Tourism, in response to the academic needs of many low income youths. He said there are a select number of families who can afford to send their children to Cancun and elsewhere to study for a career, but many must stay on the island, without that privilege. He said the college will be dedicated to the specialties of gastronomy (cuisine) and the hotel industry. He said there is a lack of opportunities for academic development of children in families who are economically challenged. For young people who have complete high school, it is unknown how many cannot continue because of a lack of money. For those who travel to Cancun or Merida, this can mean a monthly payment of over 3000 pesos for the school, per child. Families usually have multiple children and the head of the household may only earn two minimum salaries (~62 pesos/daily or about $5usd), independent of other extra jobs, according to recent statistics. The priest said he is working with local officials and expects they will reach their goal in a short amount of time.

They have no idea how to manage the garbageNo tienen idea de cómo manejar la basura[+] Ver mas

The former director of Public Services José Ríos Chalé, gave advice and showed three photographs of the Trash Transfer Facility when it was completely clear of trash. He recommends that the City rent machinery for two months, specifying a "gondola" of 23 tonne capacity to make the two crossings daily to the mainland, and a smaller compactor vehicle of 15 tonne capacity. It is noted that about 30 tonnes of trash are collected daily, and that about 2000 tonnes have accumulated at the facility, although the former director declined to make an estimate. It is noted that the amount of daily trash collected increases during the Easter holidays.

They discontinued the patching work, and preceded to demolish the basketball court downtown, following strong criticism about the need to replace the rebar, which has been affected by rust.
The article contains complaints previously voiced about Fidel Villanueva holding more than one position in municipal government, and complaints about unfinished public works that were joint projects of three levels of government, which include the Casa de Cultura, the new hospital, and the roads of Sac Bajo, Rueda Medina, and Paseo de los Peces.

Eight teams participated in the tournament in Salina Chica, sponsored by the municipal youth agency IMJUVE la Instancia Municipal de la Juventud. The players were between the ages of 15 and 23. It was also announced they are close to signing the collaborative agreement, in order to open the islands' Interactive Center for Youth in colonia Canotal. This facility will give young people access to computers to do their homework and to make copies, and to access other materials that are needed for their studies. In upcoming days they will announce a graffiti contest whose main goal is to provide space for youths to express their ideas and art, without damaging private property. The IMJUVE offices are located in the library "17 de agosto" in colonia Salinas, but are moving to the Poder Joven/Youth Power center in Canotal.

This urban transport service was paralyzed on Friday by a flat tire. The unit was spotted parked in amplification La Gloria, in front of the driver's house, Miguel Arceo. He explained that there was a flat tire on the right side, and no mechanical areal on the island to have it serviced. It was replaced around noon when the ARCEO staff could attend to it.
When asked, the driver said he works from 6:30am to 7pm Monday - Saturday and on Sunday he rests. His salary is from 10 to 15 percent of the total; so on a good day he earns 450 pesos, and on a bad day he brings home 250 pesos. The bus runs every half hour between 6:30 and 9:30 to take workers to the downtown hotels, and then the frequency is every 40 minutes until the end of the day.
According to the contract signed in 2001, Isla Turicun agreed to provide service every 15 minutes along two routes to service Garrafon to Mundaca and from the colonia La Gloria along the perimeter road and northward past Colegio Bachilleres. This contract, whose term was 15 years, is due to expire in two years, with an option for renewal, but the real business of this company is an authorization to provide 500 units in Ciudad Mujeres, on the mainland area of Isla Mujeres.
Bus service according to the contract should be from 6am to 11pm for a fee of 4 pesos. Many times passengers must wait in the port area for the unit, wasting time, and it is noted that there is a shortage of parking in the areas of Rueda Medina, where parking is needed for cars, scooters, and taxis. The newspaper thinks the government needs to review this concession and cancel the agreement, because there has been poor service and many breakdowns.

Former City Council member Emilio Sosa Medina is a small businessman on avenue Adolfo Lopez Mateos, where about 20 vendors have relocated. He says this is not a resolution to the problem and they should be transferred to unused public buildings. He said moving the vendors to the doors of his business is taking customers away from him because they are offering the same products at better prices, because they do not pay taxes.
He has not ruled out taking legal action against this governmental decision, and is seeking a meeting with the Mayor to establish communication and encourage him to speed up the relocation of the vendors. He said this is a difficult situation for both parties, which could lead to a physical confrontation, because there has already been a verbal confrontation in the one week since they have been relocated to this area.
He suggest that the street venders be moved to the 'flea' market and to the mercados Javier Rojo Gomez and Audomaro Magana, and that appropriate signs be erected so tourists can find them there. As you know, more than a dozen vendors were removed from the beaches and the board walk of Rueda Medina by municipal authorities, after repeated complaints. No date has been set for them to occupy an alternative site, and it is hoped that this is resolved before the Easter holidays.
Representatives of those who were expelled are dissatisfied and consider this treatment humiliating while business leaders are in support of the campaign and do not want it relaxed.

There are accusations between José Dolores Rosado and Andrés Díaz, concerning an alleged attempt to take over housing in Guadalupana. Andres Diaz is a community leader in the irregular colonia of Guadalupana, who is not recognized as such by Sr. Rosado.
The police chief confirmed that the police came to the rescue, and that the alleged perpetrator was a certain "Pozolero". The officer said he does not know Sr Rosado. Sr Rosado told the reporter that he was with his family and denies knowledge of an alleged home invasion plan, saying this claim is unfounded and regrettable.
The irregular colonia was established 9 years ago with more that 200 families. Its former leader passed away, El "Mucaro", Gaspar Gomez. There was a lawsuit some years ago against him, which alleged attempts to expel two families in exchange for money. Sr. Rosado denies that he is doing anything similar. He said he is always on time for his appointments, his work, and he always respects the law, and defends the property he occupies with good behavior and legal means. It is recommended a socio-economic study be conducted of all the families by the local authorities.

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View from rooms

Small room

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Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe or
Monchi's,shop at Chedraui or
visit restaurants, bars, & beach
clubs; minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a pharmacy and
variety of other stores and small local restaurants

You may find live
music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or Comono, and
at Poc Na Hostel.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, April 5th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Ken Wanovich is at Marina Paraiso
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Jeff Current's Schedule5:30 - 7:30 Wednesday Bahia Tortuga7-9 Fridays Marina Paraiso

April 18 Good Friday Two Reenactments of the Stations of the Cross / The Passion of Christ

10 am Starting at Sacred Heart of Jesus in colonia La Gloria, going up Paseo de las Aves, and by the park Las
Tortugas, then over to prolongacion Rueda Medina, and entering the
street by the new hospital, to come back to the church. 3000-4000 attendees expectedNoon
For the
representation by the Church of Immaculate Conception, they will start
at the chapel to Guadalupe (la capilla de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe)
at
noon to travel five kilometers under the rays of the midday sun to the
church of Immaculate Conception. That is the chapel overlooking the
Caribbean, near Mango Cafe in Salina Chica. 300-400 attendees expectedApril 20 Children's Fishing Tournament “Buenaventura Delgado Díaz-Coleguita” Sponsored by the DIF celebrating Children's Day

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.